HARROGATE artist Anita Bowerman’s exhibition of paper cuts has opened at Weetons food hall, in West Park, Harrogate.

Anita’s artwork takes hours to design and cut out, using a pencil, rubber, sharp scalpel and hours of patience.

Hanging on the walls at Weetons are two maps from her Enjoy series: a Giclee print of Harrogate and a limited-edition laser cut of York, along with an original paper cut of Tiger Tiger inspired by India.

“Each of the designs is available in Giclee prints in different sizes and colour ways, on sale at Weetons,” says Anita.

Welcoming her to the food hall for the first time, James Murray, of Weetons, says: “The clean, vibrant colours of the paper cuts look stunning on the walls and enhance the restaurant.

“I’m amazed at the skill involved in producing this artwork and full of admiration for Anita’s work.

“We’ve had lots of interest from customers already and it’s great to be able to promote a Harrogate artist.”

Anita has created three maps so far in her Enjoy series that each show notable buildings and landmarks.

“Harrogate was the first, followed by Ilkley and finally York,” she says. “Each took me nearly a hundred hours to complete.

“First I have to research the area, then design the layout and finally cut it out.

“There are lots of details within each map showing dogs, birds and people generally enjoying themselves.

“I love telling a story in minute detail and each building can take three hours to complete.”

Karl Blackshaw, of Harrogate Organisers, first put Anita in touch with Weetons.

“Karl is organising the first Art Harrogate annual art festival to showcase the work of local artists, which will take place from June 28 to July 5 prior to the Tour de France and will be part of Le Grand Depart Cultural Festival,” says Anita.

To that end, she is working on her own Tour de France/Grand Depart map. “Weetons are going to feature it when it’s finished by June, and the Tour de France route happens to stop in front of Weetons,” she says.

Anita will be exhibiting at Weetons until April 23.

“I’ll be returning there later too.

“I’m really pleased to have my work on display as the paper cuts really lend themselves to the decor and ambience,” she says.

“They’ll certainly be seen by lots of people in this busy, buzzing establishment.”

Anita has a working studio and gallery, The Dove Tree Art Studio, in a 19th century converted coach house on Back Granville Road, just behind Cardamom Black Restaurant, near Harrogate Theatre.

Here you can see her at work, browse around her brightly coloured paintings of Harrogate scenes and buy her paper cuts and prints.

Anita also teaches art courses once a month in the studio with more information available online at anitabowerman.co.uk